Unpaid Scholars

Definition

This category refers to unpaid, non-contracted international visitors who come to Lewis & Clark College to observe classes, engage in research, or to enroll in “tuition-waived” classes. Exchange visitors in this category may come to the College for one day to three years. Examples include a lawyer from Shanghai, China who visits the Law School to observe classes and teaching methods for a one-month period of time; a South Korean professor who comes to spend her sabbatical year at the Graduate School observing classes and doing research; or a Malaysian politician who visits the International Affairs Department to observe and do research for one semester.

Eligibility

Exchange Visitors must be qualified for the position; must be coming to the U.S. temporarily, with no intention of staying permanently; must have adequate funding from an outside source (not personal funds); must have insurance that meets government guidelines (our faculty insurance does not meet those guidelines, but the Office of International Students and Scholars can arrange qualifying insurance); must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to function on a day-to-day basis and to complete tasks related to their exchange program; and, must meet restrictive immigration requirements (applicants already in the U.S. may not be qualified). In addition, the Department, Division or School that wants to invite the scholar must have the written approval of the Dean of the respective school.

Restrictions

US Department of Homeland Security regulations govern the entry and visa status of these individuals. Lewis & Clark College abides by these regulations in all cases.

Steps to Be Taken

(1) The faculty member or adminstrator inviting the scholar must complete Visiting International Scholar Form and have it signed by the appropriate dean. Once approved and signed, the form can be sent to:

International Students and Scholars
FAX: 503-768-7301
Backup Fax: 503-768-7320.

International Students and Scholars
Email: bdwhite@lclark.eduFAX: 503-768-7301
Backup Fax: 503-768-7320

(3) As of January 5, 2015, the Department of State also requires that applicants for J-1 visas possess sufficient English language proficiency to function on a day-to-day basis and to complete work tasks related to their exchange visitor program. Lewis & Clark faculty or departments hosting exchange visitors should complete an English Language Certification form for each exchange visitor they host, and return it with the supporting proof to the International Students & Scholars office. If an interview is used to certify the exchange visitor’s English language ability, an Interview Assessment Report should be completed and returned to ISS documenting the interview.

(4) Once both forms (from the faculty/administrative sponsor and the exchange visitor) are received, ISS Staff may be required to contact the Exchange Visitor for clarification about past stays in the US, past visa statuses, etc.

(5) When assured that the Exchange Visitor is eligible for J-1 Exchange Visitor status, ISS staff will issue Form DS-2019 and accompanying information and mail them directly to the Exchange Visitor. The issuance of Form DS-2019 takes only a day or so in most cases.

(6) The Exchange Visitor takes the Form DS-2019, his/her passport, letter of invitation, and financial support documents to the US Consulate in his/her country and applies for a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.